How to Get and Renew a Kansas Driver License

What you need to know about Kansas driver licenses

A Kansas driver license is issued by the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles. The state offers several types of licenses depending on what you drive and your age. Standard licenses are valid for six years for adults, though Kansas allows you to renew by mail or online if you meet certain conditions. Real ID-compliant licenses — which meet federal requirements for air travel and federal building access — cost slightly more and require additional documentation.

The process differs depending on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an existing one, or upgrading to a Real ID license. Each path has different document requirements and processing times. Understanding which category you fall into will help you gather the right paperwork before you visit a driver license office.

Key Takeaways

Kansas driver licenses are issued by the Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles, and are valid for six years for most adults.
You can renew by mail or online if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions, but first-time licenses require an in-person visit.
Real ID-compliant licenses require a certified birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Kansas residency, in addition to standard documents.
Processing times vary: in-person appointments typically take 20 to 30 minutes, while mail renewals take two to three weeks.
You must pass a vision test and written knowledge test to get your first license; renewals do not require retesting unless your medical status has changed.

Getting your first Kansas driver license

To get your first Kansas driver license, you must visit a driver license office in person. You cannot complete this process by mail or online. You will need to bring your certified birth certificate or passport, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and two documents proving your Kansas residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).

At the office, you will take a vision test and a written knowledge test covering Kansas traffic laws. The written test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You will also have your photograph taken. The fee for a standard six-year license is $24.50. If you want a Real ID-compliant license instead, the fee is $39.50 and the process takes longer because the office must verify your documents more thoroughly.

Bring your completed process (form DL-43) if you have filled it out ahead of time, though you can also complete it at the office. If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to sign the process. Processing typically takes 20 to 30 minutes, and you receive your license the same day.

Renewing your Kansas driver license by mail

If your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a prepaid envelope and instructions.

Complete the renewal form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee ($24.50 for a standard license, $39.50 for Real ID), and mail everything back in the prepaid envelope. Do not include your current license in the envelope — keep it until you receive your new one. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your process. Your new license will arrive by mail.

Mail renewal is not available if your license has already expired, if you have medical restrictions, or if you are upgrading to a Real ID license for the first time. In those cases, you must visit a driver license office in person.

Renewing your Kansas driver license online

Kansas allows online renewal through the Department of Revenue website if you meet specific conditions: your license must not be expired, you must have no medical restrictions, and you must have renewed online or by mail at least once before. You cannot use online renewal if you are changing your name, address, or other personal information, or if you are upgrading to Real ID.

To renew online, visit the Kansas Department of Revenue website and log into your account or create one. You will need your driver license number and date of birth. The fee is $24.50 for a standard license. After you complete the transaction, your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. You can continue using your current license until the new one arrives.

Understanding Real ID compliance

A Real ID-compliant Kansas driver license meets federal requirements set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID license or another federally accepted form of identification (such as a passport) to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A standard Kansas driver license will no longer be accepted for these purposes after that date.

Getting a Real ID license requires additional documents beyond what a standard license needs. You must bring a certified birth certificate or passport, proof of your Social Security number, and two documents proving Kansas residency. The office will verify these documents more carefully, which can add time to the process. The fee is $39.50 for a six-year license. You must explore in person; you cannot get a Real ID license by mail or online.

If you already have a standard Kansas driver license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you can do so at any driver license office. You do not have to wait for your current license to expire. Bring the same documents you would need for a first-time Real ID process.

What to bring to a Kansas driver license office

The documents you need depend on whether you are getting your first license, renewing in person, or upgrading to Real ID. For a first-time standard license, bring your certified birth certificate or passport, proof of your Social Security number, and two documents proving Kansas residency. For an in-person renewal, bring your current license and the renewal notice you received in the mail, plus a check or money order for the renewal fee.

For a Real ID license, bring a certified birth certificate or passport, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and two documents proving Kansas residency (such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days). Bring your completed process form (DL-43) if you have filled it out ahead of time. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian to sign the process.

Do not bring original documents unless you are told to do so — bring copies when possible. The office will ask to see originals to verify them, but you can keep the copies. Bring your Social Security card only if you have no other proof of your Social Security number.

Driver license office locations and hours

Kansas has driver license offices in most counties. The main office is located in Topeka at the Department of Revenue building. To find the office nearest you, visit the Kansas Department of Revenue website and search for "driver license offices" or call 785-296-3671. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce wait times. Walk-ins are also accepted, but appointment holders are served first.

Office hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some offices have extended hours on certain days. Check the website or call ahead to confirm hours before you visit, especially if you are traveling from out of town. During busy times, wait times can exceed one hour even with an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Kansas driver license if it has already expired?

No. If your license has expired, you must visit a driver license office in person to renew it. You cannot use mail or online renewal. Bring your expired license, the renewal notice if you have it, and payment for the renewal fee.

What is the difference between a standard license and a Real ID license?

A standard Kansas driver license is valid for driving and state identification. A Real ID license meets federal requirements and is required for domestic air travel and federal building access starting May 7, 2025. Real ID licenses cost $15 more and require additional documentation, including a certified birth certificate and proof of Social Security number.

How long does it take to get a Kansas driver license?

In-person processing typically takes 20 to 30 minutes, and you receive your license the same day. Mail renewals take two to three weeks from the date the office receives your process. Online renewals also take two to three weeks for delivery by mail.

Do I need to take the written test again when I renew my license?

No. Renewals do not require retesting unless your medical status has changed or the office has reason to believe you no longer meet the requirements to drive. First-time licenses require both a vision test and a written knowledge test.

What should I do if I lose my Kansas driver license?

Visit a driver license office in person and request a replacement. Bring your completed process form (DL-43), proof of your identity, and payment for the replacement fee ($24.50 for a standard license). You will receive your replacement license the same day. You can also request a replacement by mail if you prefer, though it will take two to three weeks.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.